If you where a hiker before you had children than this post is not going to give you any new information. As I've been talking with a few of my mommy friends that are just getting into hiking now that they have kids, I thought this would be a good bit of information to go over.
Ten Essentials
Before you hit any trail, no matter how easy, no matter how short, no matter how close to home; make sure your backpack is loaded with the ten essentials. When in the back-country you are responsible for your own safety, and any one of these ten items may help to save your life. Carry each one and know how to use them.
In addition to these items, know your limits and be sure you leave an itinerary with friends, relatives or just post it on Facebook like I do.
1. Map - I really like the green trails maps they can be found at many outdoor retailers , US Forest Service Ranger Stations and Online at Green Trails Maps. For these maps your going to want to find the area where the trail is you are going to be hiking and grab that map.
2. Compass - A map is no good without a compass and a compass is no good if you don't know how to use it. It doesn't matter how fancy your compass is, but if it doesn't have a compensation setting for true North, make sure you know how to convert magnetic to true North. In Western Washington magnetic North is 20-22° east of true North. GPS units are great, but they are not substitutes for knowing how to use a map and compass. They're delicate devices and can break, get waterlogged or seize up in cold weather. The GPS can point you in the right direction, but it's the map that tells you if you can go that way.
3. Water and a Way to Purify It - I bring a hydration pack from Jansport that was discontinued many years ago. I've since replaced the bladder in it with a Osprey Hydraulics LT, I'm loving it because it has magnetic bite valve with included sternum strap magnet. No more fumbling around looking for the bite valve. I kept the pack because I love the fit and it's still in good condition plus I've got memories of taking it to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, Lassen and Denali National Park.
Drinking water is important, while hiking without water the body is more susceptible to heat stroke, hypothermia and altitude sickness. All water found near the trail, should be filtered, or purified by chemical tablets or boiling the water before drinking. Now a days, nearly all water sources can harbor tiny organisms that may end up leaving you feeling unpleasant later.
4. Extra Food - I tend to bring enough food to feed a small army of tiny people. Its suggested to always bring enough food for an extra day on the trail. You never know what kind of unexpected situation may delay your return trip.
5. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Living in Washington State I have to say that there is almost no such thing as having too many layers when your hiking. Plus if your hiking with a tiny army of little people it's almost a given that someone is going to get wet or dirty and need a change of clothes. If possible try and avoid cotton clothing and stick to wool or poly blends that wick moisture way from your skin.
6. Fire-starters and Matches - While being prepared for a unexpected incident on the trail, having a fire-starter and matches will be beneficial if you are for some reason stuck on a trail over night. Things that make good fire-starters are a candle, dryer lint, cotton balls dipped into candle wax, solid chemical fuels or balls of compressed wood chips because in the PNW you are likely to expect wet kindling.
7. First Aid Kit - I got this first aid kit many years ago at an outdoor retailer, but you can also put together your own with some band-aids, antiseptic wipes, topical antibiotic ointment and aspirin. You should also have some supplies to for major injuries and some knowledge. For more information about putting together your own first kit check out Building a hiker's first aid kit from WTA . Taking a first aid course from the Red Cross and the wilderness First Aid Course from Mountaineers are both on my agenda so I can become a better leader for my tiny army of tiny people.
8. Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool - Knives are indispensable in the back-country. They can help you prepare food, cut Moleskin or bandages, repair gear, and more.
9. Flashlight and extra batteries - Sometimes a trail can take longer than expected and that is when a good flashlight with some extra batteries will come in handy. I personally keep Petzl TIkka Plus headlamp in my pack. I've had it for years and I really love it but I will admit the LED light bulbs are getting close to the end of there life. So I'll be on the lookout and the hunt for a new headlamp and I'll keep you updated on it.
10. Sun screen and sun glasses - Protect those eyeballs when you are on snow or above the treeline. In between my budget, losing them, me being clumsy and breaking them I choose to buy the cheap ones. Sunscreen is one of those things that important for everyone no matter the skin type.
Bonus Tip If you spend the money on passes don't forget them at home.
And a few other items you should consider: insect repellent, whistle, watch, emergency blanket, mirror (for signaling), duct tape (great for repairing anything), gloves, extra socks, and an orange vest (during hunting season).
4. Extra Food - I tend to bring enough food to feed a small army of tiny people. Its suggested to always bring enough food for an extra day on the trail. You never know what kind of unexpected situation may delay your return trip.
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| this is what was left over after we had a snack |
5. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Living in Washington State I have to say that there is almost no such thing as having too many layers when your hiking. Plus if your hiking with a tiny army of little people it's almost a given that someone is going to get wet or dirty and need a change of clothes. If possible try and avoid cotton clothing and stick to wool or poly blends that wick moisture way from your skin.
6. Fire-starters and Matches - While being prepared for a unexpected incident on the trail, having a fire-starter and matches will be beneficial if you are for some reason stuck on a trail over night. Things that make good fire-starters are a candle, dryer lint, cotton balls dipped into candle wax, solid chemical fuels or balls of compressed wood chips because in the PNW you are likely to expect wet kindling.
7. First Aid Kit - I got this first aid kit many years ago at an outdoor retailer, but you can also put together your own with some band-aids, antiseptic wipes, topical antibiotic ointment and aspirin. You should also have some supplies to for major injuries and some knowledge. For more information about putting together your own first kit check out Building a hiker's first aid kit from WTA . Taking a first aid course from the Red Cross and the wilderness First Aid Course from Mountaineers are both on my agenda so I can become a better leader for my tiny army of tiny people.
8. Knife or Multi-Purpose Tool - Knives are indispensable in the back-country. They can help you prepare food, cut Moleskin or bandages, repair gear, and more.
10. Sun screen and sun glasses - Protect those eyeballs when you are on snow or above the treeline. In between my budget, losing them, me being clumsy and breaking them I choose to buy the cheap ones. Sunscreen is one of those things that important for everyone no matter the skin type.
Bonus Tip If you spend the money on passes don't forget them at home.
And a few other items you should consider: insect repellent, whistle, watch, emergency blanket, mirror (for signaling), duct tape (great for repairing anything), gloves, extra socks, and an orange vest (during hunting season).
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| Here is a picture of my 3 year old son's pack |
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